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The RPO-A is a single-shot, self-contained tube shaped launcher that operates much like some RPG and LAW rocket launchers. The launcher is a sealed tube, carried in a man-pack in pairs. The same person can remove the tube, place it in firing position, and launch the weapon without assistance. After launch, the tube is discarded. All models are externally similar.

Each weapon contains a single rocket, of which there are three varieties. The basic rocket is the RPO-A, which has a thermobaricwarhead and is designed for attacking soft targets under moderate cover. The RPO-Z is the incendiary warhead (Rus. зажигательный / Zazhigatel'nyy, or "Incendiary") designed to spread fire and ignite targets. Finally, there is a smoke-producing warhead (Rus. дымовой / Dymovoy, or "Smoke") offered, the RPO-D.

A recent development is the improved RPO-M "Shmel-M" that was shown for the first time at Eurosatory 2006. This version is quite similar to the original weapon, but has a calibre of 90 mm and a weight of 8.8 kg. Its launcher is reusable. The system has better ergonomics and uses an improved rocket with better ballistics and terminal effect and with a maximum range of 1,700 m. The "Shmel-M" is also known as RPO PDM-A (Rus. Повышенной Дальности и Мощности / Povyshennoy Dal'nosti i Moshchnosti — "enhanced range and lethality") and is produced for the local and export markets. Adopted in 24 December, 2003.[2][3][4][5][6]MGK Bur (Rus. Малогабаритный Гранатомётный Комплекс "Бур" / Malogabaritnyy Granatomotnyy Kompleks "Bur" — Compact Grenade-launching System "Auger") is a 62 mm variant with reusable launch tube.[7][8] Maximum range is 950 meters, sighting (with day telescopic sights) - 650 meters. The system weighs less than 5 kg and the reusable tube is good for at least 500 rounds. As of October 2014, it has been accepted into service and its serial production has been started.[9]

RPO weapons have seen use by the Soviet Army in Afghanistan and by both the Russian and the separatist forces in the First and Second Chechen Wars.[citation needed] On 9 August 2014, during the Donbass War, the Ukrainian border checkpoint of Milove was attacked using RPO flamethrowers. The main building was hit by five incendiary rockets.[10]